Higher Serum-Soluble α-Klotho Level Does Not Predict Longer Survival after Stroke

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Neurology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Soluble alpha-Klotho (s-α-Klotho) is a hormone with potential protective roles.
• Its association with outcomes in ischemic stroke (IS) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between serum s-α-Klotho levels and long-term outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 5 recurrent strokes and 89 deaths over 36 months.
• Cox proportional models adjusted for risk factors, kidney function, and stroke severity.
• Evaluation of the alpha-Klotho to iFGF23 index.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in overall survival (OS) and stroke-free survival (SFS) were found between tertile groups of s-α-Klotho.
• Unexpectedly, higher OS and SFS were observed in patients with the lowest s-α-Klotho concentrations.
• Increased s-α-Klotho levels were associated with decreased OS (HR=0.951) and SFS (HR=0.949).

Conclusions:

• Serum s-α-Klotho levels are not related to neurological deficit severity or long-term outcomes in ischemic stroke patients.
• No neuroprotective effect of s-α-Klotho was demonstrated in this cohort.